Henry Lee Elliott went to be with the Lord on September 26, 2023 at the age of 84. He was born in Bowie County, TX on October 31, 1938. A country doctor delivered and placed him into the loving arms of his mother Eva Obera Elliott. He was known by family and friends as Dad, Grandpaw, Pehaw, Gramps, Henry, Hank, Brother Elliott and buddy. At the time of his passing he lived with his son Timothy Elliott in Dallas, TX.
Henry grew up in East Texas where he spent a great amount of time with his sharecropping grandparents Papaw and Mamaw. He was a very active boy at a time where there were no big cities in East Texas and went to a small one room country school where grades one through twelve were taught. He made his own bow and arrows, learned how to use a sling like the one David slew Goliath with, and slew his own giants in life. For a boy his age he was small and others would take advantage of his size, that is until he learned to wrestle and was proficiently able to toss anyone out of his way if he needed.
When he and his mother moved to Midland, TX he quickly found work doing many things. Henry worked in the oil field pulling pipe and people were surprised that a 16 year old boy his size was able to keep up with the adults doing the same job. He also worked making ice, picking cotton, and did several things at the local King’s Drive-In. Working at the drive-in was his first exposure at working with the public, where he washed dishes, cleaned tables and became a soda jerk serving drinks to people. Henry also worked for the 7Up Bottle Company delivering drinks to different businesses throughout the Midland area. He loved his family, friends, and country and joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. During his service in the Navy he served aboard a minesweeper in the late fifties where he was a cook, general fix it man, and even steered the ship in a major storm. There was also a time where he helped catch a shark with some of his Navy buddies. Incidentally, Jaws was one of his favorite movies.
One day while on leave from the Navy, Henry met missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and joined the Church. The lessons that he learned in life and as a member of the Church solidified his love for the Lord and for his family. He was never a stranger to helping people and even at times giving some a place to live in his home while they were getting back on their feet.
After leaving the Navy he married Linda Lou Branden on April 16, 1962. Linda happened to be best friends with his sister Geneva. Henry and Linda had a love which would last 44 years until her passing in 2007. Together they raised three children primarily in Palmer, TX.
Henry was easily able to find employment to provide for his family. At times he was self-employed running service stations, selling roofing or vehicles that he’d fixed up, to working for car dealerships and tire stores. At one of the tire stores he worked for he became their top mechanic in the entire company.
He was preceded in death by his mother Eva, wife Linda, granddaughter Megan, and all of his brothers and sisters. Henry is survived by sons Christopher, Timothy, and Matthew as well as daughters-in-law Tammy and Yong, in addition to grandchildren Ryan, Kayla, Jacob, Rianna, Feifei, Nini and great grandson Junior.
Above all, Henry will most be remembered by the way that he greeted you, and that was with a smile, handshake or hug, wanting to know how you are doing and if there is anything that he could do for you.
A memorial service will be held for him on Thursday October 5 at 3pm. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 6545 West Plano Parkway in Plano, TX. 75093. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation at https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org
DIANNE WIEGE October 01, 2023
Sister in law HAZEN , North Dakota
Thinking of you ALL . Especially as you lay Henry next to Linda.
Mudge Family October 02, 2023
Friend Laneville , Texas
Dear Elliott Family, We love Linda and Henry and we know they are finally together for all time and eternity. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Andrew Montoya October 03, 2023
Friend Seagoville , Texas
Sending all my love and prayers to my second family.. Rest in Heaven Pops .. Gone but never forgotten.. 🤍😇